BIKING PEOPLE
BIKING PEOPLE
Buying a Bike
There are five basic steps to buying a bicycle. First, we list them here and then go into each detail.
A. Identify your needs as a cyclist.
B. Determine your price range.
C. Compare specifications of similar models from different manufacturers.
D. Make absolutely certain the bike you have chosen fits you properly.
E. Make sure you get the appropriate accessories to have a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.
A. Identify your needs as a cyclist.
There are four major categories of bikes and they serve different purposes
1) Mountain Bikes:
These are for people who want to ride on rough terrain. Their sturdy frames, knobby tires, and front and sometimes rear suspension make them "go anywhere, do anything" bikes.
2) Road Bicycles:
Whether it’s racing or touring, there is no way to get there as fast with as little effort. These bikes are light, nimble, and will surely get your heart pumping.
3) Hybrid Bikes:
A cross between road and mountain bikes, these bikes are for people who enjoy a more casual pace in life. They are very comfortable on pavement, groomed trail, or dirt roads.
4) Kids Bikes:
Need we say more about this category? There are bikes for every size child, from the first tricycle to junior mountain bikes, and a well constructed kids’ bike should last through several "hand-me-downs".
B. Determine your price range.
Prices can be divided into three categories.
1) Recreational:
These bikes usually cost between $200.00 and $600.00. Recreational bikes share the same design ideas as more expensive bikes, but are often constructed of heavier materials, with components that won’t take the abuse of aggressive riders.
2) Sport Level:
These bikes usually cost between $600.00 and $1,500. They are generally made of light steel or aluminum alloys, and have components and wheels that offer superior performance but won’t make you sell the farm to get it.
3) Race Lever:
Starting around $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 to "Skies The Limit", this is the true state of the art. Race level bikes are made from exotic materials with light, highly functioning components that will take the abuse of the most aggressive riders. This is where your dreams become reality.
C. Compare Specs on different models from different manufacturers.
Find two different bikes in your price range. One may have a lighter frame while the other has a better wheel set. Ask the store’s staff as many questions as you need to determine what suites your needs better. Test ride the two bikes to decide which "feels" better.
D. Be sure the bike you have chosen fits you properly.
Lightweight components and exotic frames are great, but THE MOST IMPORTANT part of a bicycle is how it fits. The saddle must be in the correct position to give the proper leg extension, and the reach to the handle bars should feel comfortable. Be sure to go to a bike shop that is knowledgeable in the use of a bicycle fit system, such as the "Serotta Size Cycle" or "Fit Kit", to be sure of getting the appropriate size and having it adjusted properly.
E. Make sure you add the appropriate accessories to have a safe and enjoyable cycling experience.
There are some accessories that are essential and others that simply add to your enjoyment. Every rider absolutely needs a Helmet (in some states, it’s the law). Not everyone needs a car rack, although it can expand cycling boundaries.
Now you have a basic foundation of what you need to make a sensible purchase. Remember to ask plenty of questions so you are completely comfortable with your new bike.
